How to Pray | Jonathan Evans | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

How to Pray

Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship • Jan 25, 2026 • 65 min

Start a Devotional

Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message on the Lord's Prayer, Pastor Jonathan Evans breaks down how Jesus instructed His disciples to approach God in prayer. Rather than coming with skepticism or a list of selfish demands, believers are called to enter God's presence with childlike trust, adoration, and praise for His holy character and proven track record. True prayer aligns our hearts with God's kingdom agenda, challenging us to seek His will above our own and live with active, faithful expectation of Christ's return.

Themes

The Lord's PrayerGod's Character and ReputationPrayer as AdorationThe Kingdom AgendaRighteousness and JusticeFaithful Living and Christ's Return

Key Points

1.
Approaching God as Father means trusting His character rather than coming before Him as a skeptical child.
2.
Praying "hallowed be Thy name" recognizes God's proven resume, reputation, and attributes behind His titles.
3.
Everything a believer needs—such as peace, provision, and victory—is already wrapped up in God's holy names.
4.
Prayer is primarily about giving God glory and adoration rather than rushing in to grab personal demands, as illustrated by Camden grabbing candy without greeting Miss Sylvia.
5.
Praying "Thy kingdom come" means actively longing for Christ's reign of complete righteousness rather than clinging to temporary worldly preferences.
6.
Seeking God's will in prayer requires a willingness to submit our personal plans to His kingdom agenda, just as Jesus prayed in Gethsemane.
7.
God's kingdom agenda requires holding both righteousness and justice together, as Psalm 89:14 states they form the dual foundation of His throne.
8.
Living in light of Christ's sudden return calls believers to maintain spiritual discipline so they may be found faithful and hear Him say, "Well done."

Sermon Moments

“The illustration of a family member pitching a business idea, where skepticism disappears as soon as a reputable, proven name like Myron Golden is attached to it.”

“Camden reaching into Miss Sylvia's desk jar for chocolate without speaking first, serving as a reminder that we must not enter God's presence just to take what we want without honoring Him.”

“Challenging believers who want Jesus' return delayed so they can accomplish personal goals, comparing it to staying in an abusive situation just for a few good parts.”

“Reframing prayer from asking God to be 'Robin' to our 'Batman' or a step stool for personal ambition to asking how we can serve Him as faithful children.”

“The distinction in Joshua 5 where the Commander of the Lord's army declares He is on neither side, demonstrating that God's kingdom comes not to take sides, but to take over.”

“The story of the young boy keeping the house clean, mowing the lawn, and keeping the flag folded while waiting for his soldier father to return home unexpectedly.”

This Week

Begin your prayer time this week by focusing entirely on adoration and thanksgiving before asking for personal requests.

Study and meditate on the character and biblical names of God (such as Jehovah Jireh and Jehovah Shalom) to deepen your trust in Him.

Examine your heart to ensure you are not approaching God with skepticism, recalling specific ways He has proven His faithfulness in your past.

Surrender your personal agenda to God daily by asking Him in prayer, "Lord, what do You need from me today?"

Evaluate whether temporary worldly desires or personal goals are competing with your longing for the return and establishment of Christ's kingdom.

Commit to upholding both righteousness and biblical justice in your daily interactions rather than taking political or worldly sides.

Keep your life spiritually clean and disciplined, serving faithfully in your home, church, and community as you wait for Christ's return.

Remember This

True prayer is not about treating God as a means to fulfill our own plans, but about honoring His glorious name and surrendering our lives to advance His kingdom agenda.

A Challenge for You

This week in your prayer life, put this message into practice: go before the Lord, praise His name, and ask Him, "What do You need from me?"—trusting Him completely even if He calls you in a direction that challenges your comfort or fears.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.